Streamlining rugby sanctions: World Rugby's new expedited Off-Field Sanctioning Process

This summer promises a feast of rugby union. The British and Irish Lions (the Lions) tour Australia following their match against Argentina in Dublin.  Ireland and the home Unions have tour matches to play; and the summer extends into September with the Women’s Rugby World Cup, starting with England v USA at the Stadium of Light on 22 August. The on-field action will be complemented by a new expedited Off-Field Sanctioning Process^[1] (the EOFS process), which aims to make the foul play disciplinary system more efficient and streamlined. 

The EOFS process was approved for closed trial in 2025 at a World Rugby Council meeting in May,^[2] and will now be trialled in competitions including the U20s Championships, the Pacific Nations Cup and Women’s Rugby World Cup. It will also be in place for the British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia, and will be used for the upcoming Test matches on the International Matches and Tours schedule running from end-June to mid-August. There is a proposal that it will move to Global trial for all elite competitions – subject to any amendment necessary from the closed trial – from 1 July 2026.

This article explains the new the EOFS process and provides commentary on its evolution and application within the game:

• Background
• The EOFS Process
  • Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC)
  • Disciplinary Committee
  • Appeal Committee
• Commentary
  • Evolution and harmonisation
  • Fairness to players and Unions
  • Game-centric experience
  • Efficiency in time and personnel
  • The first FPRC

Please note that the author both helped develop and is actively involved in the EOFS process, as the independent Judicial Panel Chair.